Vehicle Leveler with Safety Features

ABSTRACT

A vehicle leveler includes a first portion which has a leading edge and a trailing edge; the trailing edge is disposed further from the driveway than the leading edge. The vehicle leveler also includes a second portion which has a leading edge and a trailing edge; the leading edge of the second portion is attached to the trailing edge of the first portion and the leading edge of the second portion is disposed further from the driveway than the trailing edge of the second portion. The second portion also includes an extension portion. The vehicle leveler has at least one tension bar connecting the first portion on a proximal end and a lift cylinder on a distal end as well as at least one tension strap. When the vehicle leveler is in an elevated position the tension bar and tension strap keeps the lift cylinder from accidentally shifting.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of patent application Ser. No.17/483,500, filed on Sep. 23, 2021, which is a continuation of patentapplication Ser. No. 17/026,642, filed on Sep. 21, 2020, now U.S. Pat.No. 11,273,998, which is a continuation-in-part of patent applicationSer. No. 16/376,910 filed on Apr. 5, 2019, issued on Oct. 27, 2020 asU.S. Pat. No. 10,815,103. Such prior applications are incorporated byreference herein in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to vehicle levelers and more particularly to avehicle leveler having multiple surface angles as well as safetyfeatures.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A variety of truck levelers have been devised to adjust the height ofdifferent trailers to properly match the deck of the trailer to theheight of the dock. By aligning the height of the trailer and the dockthe loading and unloading of cargo is facilitated.

One such device is seen in U.S. Pat. No. 4,624,446 to Gould whichdiscloses a reinforced platform pivotally mounted to the ground at oneend and includes a support assembly having hydraulic cylinders. Inoperation the rear wheels of a truck trailer are backed onto theplatform and then the non-mounted end of the platform is lifted by thehydraulic cylinders until the deck of the trailer is equal to the heightof the dock.

A similar device is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,765,792 to Cherry, et al.which also discloses a pivotally mounted and hydraulically raisedplatform. In addition to the disclosure of Gould, the device includesmounting the hydraulics inwardly from the non-mounted end of theplatform and an aperture in the non-mounted end of the platform toaccommodate a truck restraining device.

Another design is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,368,043 to Leum, et al.which teaches a low-profile truck leveler. In this design a low-profileleveler is enabled through the use of a raised rear beam and two lateralbeams that extend above the upper surface of the platform. In addition,a central beam adds further to the strength and rigidity of the leveler.

Vehicle levelers of the prior art typically have certain disadvantages.The majority of vehicle levelers have ramp surfaces which are not highlyadjustable. This is a distinct disadvantage when vehicles are beingloaded or unloaded with cargo. Levelers of the prior art are also notable to accommodate all types of vehicles. This is yet anotherdisadvantage.

Some levelers of the prior art have certain shortcomings anddisadvantages to which this device is drawn. Specifically, it would beadvantageous to have a vehicle leveler which is highly adjustable andcan elevate both the rear and front axles of a vehicle at the same timeso as to minimize the slope of the internal floor of the vehicle andthereby allow safer loading and unloading of cargo. It would also beadvantageous to have a vehicle leveler which has enhanced safetyfeatures, such as additional structural support to eliminate shifting ofthe leveler when it is in a raised position.

In summary, there are problems and shortcomings in the prior art vehiclelevelers and it is to these needs that this device is drawn.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of this invention to provide a vehicle leveler which ishighly adjustable and can elevate both the rear and front axles of avehicle at the same time so as to minimize the slope of the internalfloor of the vehicle or trailer.

Another object of this invention is to provide a vehicle leveler whichhas improved safety during loading and unloading of cargo from a vehiclewhich is on the leveler.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a safe walkwaysurface, so as to give the vehicle driver a wide walking surface toassist them as they step into and out of a vehicle as well as when theywalk around adjacent trailers.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide enhanced safety andstability when the leveler is a raised position.

These and other objects of the invention will be apparent from thefollowing descriptions and from the drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The preferred embodiment of the invention includes a vehicle leveler foruse with a driveway which includes a first portion having a leading edgeand a trailing edge. The trailing edge is disposed further from thedriveway than the leading edge and forms a ramp section. The secondportion also includes an extension portion which extends from thetrailing edge of the second portion toward the rear of the leveler andincludes a substantially flat section disposed about parallel with thesubstantially flat driveway. The first portion and second portion areeach unitary structures. It is highly preferable that the vehicleleveler includes opposing side portions which extend the length of andcontact the second portion and extension portion, the opposing sideportions having a top surface which forms a walkway.

In highly preferred applications, two or more vehicle levelers can beinstalled adjacent to each other and an extended walkway surface can beremovably installed between each vehicle leveler to form a large surfacefor a vehicle driver to use. It is preferable that the extended walkwaysurface and top surface form a large walkway for a vehicle driver. Insome preferred embodiments each vehicle leveler has two, opposing topsurfaces which each form a separate walkway. The walkway can extend thecomplete length of the top surface in some preferred embodiments or itcan only extend a portion of the length of the top surface.

Preferably, the walkway and extended walkway surface include metalgrating for a safe contact surface for a vehicle driver walking on thewalkway or extended walkway surface.

It is preferred that the second portion including the extension portionbe moveable between a lowered position and a raised position toaccommodate varying dock heights for loading and unloading of cargo fromvehicles. It is also preferable that the ramp section be of varyinglengths and heights to accommodate a single, rear axle vehicle as wellas a large trailer.

It is highly preferred that at least one tension bar connects the firstportion on a proximal end to a lift cylinder on a distal end. Preferableembodiments also include a tension bar on each side of the vehicleleveler. It is also highly preferred that at least one tension strap(but preferably several) is under the first portion, second portion orextension portion and that it connects on each end to the two, opposingside portions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings illustrate preferred embodiments including the above-notedcharacteristics and features of the device. The device will be readilyunderstood from the descriptions and drawings. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the vehicle leveler;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the vehicle leveler in FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the vehicle leveler of FIG. 1 with atruck on the leveler and the leveler in the lowered position;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the vehicle leveler of FIG. 1 with atruck on the leveler and the leveler in the raised position;

FIGS. 5-6 are perspective views of the vehicle leveler in the raisedposition;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the vehicle leveler of FIG. 1 in thelowered position with a trailer on the leveler;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the vehicle leveler of FIG. 1 with avehicle driver using the top surface/walkway;

FIG. 9 is a top view of the vehicle leveler illustrating the topsurface/walkway extending partially along the length of the leveler;

FIG. 10 is a top view of the vehicle leveler illustrating the topsurface/walkway extending farther along the length of the leveler;

FIG. 11 is a front view of the leveler illustrating the opposing sideportions and extended walkway surface;

FIG. 12 is a front view of the extended walkway surface;

FIG. 13 is a front view of two levelers installed side-by-side andillustrating the large walkway;

FIG. 14 is a top view illustrating four vehicle levelers installedadjacent to each other with a large walkway in between the levelers.

FIG. 15 is a side view of the vehicle leveler in the raised position;

FIG. 16 is a sectional view of the tension bar and vehicle leveler ofFIG. 15 taken along line 16-16; and

FIG. 17 is a sectional view of the tension strap and vehicle leveler ofFIG. 16 taken along line 17-17;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 1-17 .Vehicle leveler 10, as shown in FIG. 1 , includes three primaryportions; a first portion 12, a second portion 24 and an extensionportion 30. Leveler 10 is designed to be utilized in conjunction with asubstantially flat driveway 18 near a loading dock wall 46. Furthermoreleveler 10 can be moved between a lowered position 36 shown in FIGS. 1and 3 , and a raised position 38 shown in FIGS. 4-6 .

First portion 12 includes a leading edge 14 and a trailing edge 16.Trailing edge 16 is disposed further from driveway 18 than leading edge14. First portion 12 has a ramp section 20 which is inclined upwards andin some embodiments includes a flat section 22 adjacent ramp section 20.First portion 12 in other embodiments does not have a flat section 22but instead just inclines the total distance from leading edge 14 totrailing edge 16 of first portion 12.

FIG. 1 illustrates that second portion 24 has a leading edge 26 and atrailing edge 28. Leading edge 26 of second portion 24 is attached totrailing edge 16 of first portion 12 as seen in FIGS. 1, 3-4 . Firstportion 12 and second portion 24 can be removably attached. FIG. 5 showsfirst and second portions 12, 24 separated. Leading edge 26 of secondportion 24 is disposed further from driveway 18 than trailing edge 28 ofsecond portion 24.

Second portion 24 also includes extension portion 30 as can be seen inFIGS. 1-7 . Extension portion 30 extends from trailing edge 28 of secondportion 24 toward a rear of leveler 10 (nearest loading dock wall 46)and includes a substantially flat section 32 disposed about parallelwith substantially flat driveway

FIG. 2 illustrates that first portion 12 and second portion 24 caninclude metal grating 42 over a steel plate for contact with wheels of avehicle as the vehicle moves onto and off of leveler 10. Metal grating42 over a steel plate is a material which is both durable and alsoprovides increased traction for vehicles when moving onto or off ofleveler 10.

FIGS. 1-7 illustrate that first portion 12 and second portion 24 areeach unitary structures which are separate from each other as seen inFIG. 5 until they are attached together by a connection apparatus 34 asseen best in FIGS. 1 and 3-4 . Connection apparatus 34 is located onleading edge 26 of second portion 24 and connects to trailing edge 16 offirst portion 12. First portion 12 and second portion 24 can also beconnected together by welding or other fastening systems. Flat section22 of first portion 12 is in front of connection apparatus 34 sinceconnection apparatus 34 is located on leading edge 26 of second portion24.

The drawings illustrate that second portion 24, including extensionportion 30, can be moved between a lowered position 36 as seen in FIGS.1, 3 and 7 , and a raised position 38 as seen in FIGS. 4-6 , toaccommodate varying dock heights for loading and unloading of cargo fromvehicles. FIGS. 4-7 show a variety of different types of vehicles whichcan utilize leveler 10.

Depending on the length of the vehicle, leveler 10 can be customized ina variety of ways, including that extension portion 30 can consist ofmultiple extension portions which are identical and which are attachedtogether so as to accommodate a vehicle which has a longer length. FIG.2 illustrates a leveler 10 with more than one extension portion 30. Inan embodiment with multiple extension portions 30, each extensionportion 30 is removably secured to another extension portion 30. In thistype of embodiment, a first extension portion 30 would extend fromtrailing edge 28 of second portion 24 toward a rear of leveler 10, andextension portions 30 each would include a substantially flat section 32disposed about parallel with substantially flat driveway 18. In someembodiments, the multiple extension portions 30 can be of varyinglengths and do not have to be identical in length.

Leveler 10 can be manufactured so that ramp section 20 can be of varyinglengths and heights to accommodate a single, rear axle vehicle as wellas a large trailer. FIGS. 1 and 6 each illustrate a ramp section 20 witha different length and height. Ramp section 20 and flat section 22 canbe manufactured with different lengths and heights to accommodate singlerear axle vans and trailers as well as 53-foot over the road tractortrailers. Therefore, leveler 10 can be manufactured so that any of thefirst portion 12, second portion 24 or extension portion 30, can be ofvarying lengths and heights so as to accommodate a variety of vehicletypes and sizes. For example, FIGS. 3-4 show a box-type truck on leveler10, FIGS. 5-6 show a larger vehicle on leveler 10 and FIG. 7 illustratesa very large trailer on leveler 10.

With leveler 10 it is possible to elevate both the front and rear axlesof a vehicle to minimize the incline or decline of an inside floorsurface 40 of a trailer or vehicle, thereby making loading and unloadingof cargo safer. FIGS. 3-7 illustrate a variety of vehicles on leveler 10and the dotted line in FIGS. 3-4 illustrates inside floor surface 40 ofthe vehicle. FIGS. 4-6 illustrate vehicles on leveler 10 that have botha front and rear axle elevated.

FIG. 6 illustrates that leveler 10 can include opposed sidewalls 52 (seeFIG. 2 ) with a light-mounting channel 44 having at least one light 50(which could be a single light, multiple lights or a rope light)integrated into light-mounting channel 44. Light(s) 50 assist vehicles,such as trailers, when they are backing in or pulling away from leveler10.

A lifting system is also incorporated into the leveler 10 in the form ofhydraulic lifts 48 which contact driveway 18 as seen in FIG. 1 . Thehydraulic lifts 48 lift the second portion 24 including extensionportion 30 of leveler 10. However, any other lifting systems known inthe art could be utilized as well.

Leveler 10 may also include wheel guides 54 shown in FIG. 1 which can beon any or all of first portion 12, second portion 24 or extensionportion 30. FIG. 1 illustrates wheel guides 54 on first portion 12.Wheel guides 54 act to guide the wheels of the trailer into the properposition for loading and unloading of cargo.

The relationship between first portion 12 and driveway 18 as well assecond portion 24 and driveway 18 can also be defined in terms ofangles, as shown in FIGS. 1-7 . Ramp section 20 of first portion 12 isinclined from driveway 18 about 1-15 degrees from parallel with driveway18. Second portion 24 extending from first portion 12 toward a rear ofleveler 10 includes a decline section 56 which declines toward thesubstantially flat driveway at between about 1-15 degrees from parallelwith the substantially flat driveway 18.

In operation, a vehicle (including sometimes a large trailer) is backedup to leveler 10 to put the rear wheels onto first portion 12,specifically ramp section 20. The wheels and trailer are thereforeelevated from driveway 18 as they are backed up onto ramp section 20. Asthe vehicle is further backed onto leveler 10, the rear wheels pass ontosecond portion 24 or decline section 56 and begin to be lowered backtoward driveway 18. As the rear wheels continue to be backed up, theycontact extension portion 30 and at this point, depending on the lengthand size of the trailer or vehicle, the rear of the trailer or vehiclemay now be in contact with loading dock wall 46. Depending on the lengthof the vehicle or trailer, the front wheels may either be in contactwith first portion 12 as can be seen in FIGS. 3-4 or the trailer may beso large that only the back wheels are on leveler 10 as seen in FIG. 7 .Once though the rear wheels are backed up as far onto leveler 10 as theycan go, the lifting system can then be operated to lift the trailer tothe proper height to safely load and unload cargo. Leveler 10 canelevate both the front and rear wheels of a vehicle to minimize theslope of the internal floor of the vehicle, which allows for saferloading and unloading.

FIGS. 8-14 illustrate that vehicle leveler 10 includes opposing sideportions 58 which extend the length of and contact first portion 12,second portion 24 and extension portion 30.

As seen best in FIGS. 9-10 , opposing side portions 58 have a topsurface 60 which forms a walkway 60. The walkway, also referred toherein as top surface 60, is a safety feature which is used by a driverwhen he enters or exits a vehicle which is using vehicle leveler 10.FIG. 8 illustrates a driver using walkway 60. FIG. 10 illustrates thattop surface/walkway 60 can extend the complete length of second portion24 and extension portion 30, whereas FIG. 9 illustrates that topsurface/walkway 60 can only extend a portion of the length of secondportion 24 and extension portion 30.

FIG. 11 illustrates opposing side portions 58 as well as topsurface/walkway 60. FIG. 12 is a more detailed view of just the extendedwalkway surface 62 which is mounted between two vehicle levelers 10 toform a large walkway 64. FIGS. 13-14 illustrate that two or more vehiclelevelers 10 can be installed adjacent to each other, and extendedwalkway surface 62 can be removably installed between each vehicleleveler 10 to form a large walkway 64 for a vehicle driver to use. InFIG. 14 , each vehicle leveler 10 has two, opposing side portions 58with top surfaces 60 which each form a separate walkway. FIG. 14illustrates four vehicle levelers 10 installed adjacent to each other.

FIG. 14 also illustrates that extended walkway surface 62 which formslarge walkway 64 is a step (two or more walkway surfaces 62 can be puttogether to make large walkway 64 or walkway surface 62 can bemanufactured to be wider and can be large walkway 64) which is wide soas to give the vehicle driver a wider walk surface to assist them asthey step onto that and walk out to get around adjacent trailers.

FIGS. 15-16 illustrate that at least one tension bar 66 connects firstportion 12 on a proximal end 68 of tension bar 66 to a lift cylinder 72on a distal end 70 of tension bar 66. Tension bar 66 on proximal end 68can be connected to first portion 12 (either leading edge 14 or trailingedge 16) or other sections of leveler 10 including ramp section 20.Vehicle leveler 10 can include either one tension bar 66 or a tensionbar 66 on each side of leveler 10.

Tension bar 66 connects first portion 12 to lift cylinder 72 on distalend 70. This maintains leveler 10 stability when leveler 10 is in raisedposition 38. This added stability is particularly important when leveler10 is installed on asphalt, gravel or other non-structural foundationsurfaces. By connecting lift cylinder base 72 to first portion 12 ofleveler 10, cylinder 72 cannot slide when leveler 10 is in an elevatedposition 38. This also allows for additional anchors and spreads theload out from a trailer on leveler 10 to reduce point loading on theasphalt or other non-structural foundations that the leveler 10 may beplaced on. Lift cylinder 72 cannot accidentally shift when vehicleleveler 10 is in an elevated position 38.

FIG. 17 illustrates a tension strap 74 or several tension straps 74which can span the width of leveler 10 under the deck surface of leveler10. FIG. 17 does not show the deck surface (it is removed) of rampsection 20 so as to make it easier to see tension strap 74. Tensionstrap 74 connects on each end to opposing side portions 58. Tensionstrap 74 provides additional stability when a vehicle is on leveler 10and leveler 10 is in a raised position 38.

Tension bar 66 and tension strap 74 can be made of any material which isstrong and durable, however steel (ASTM A36) is preferred.

A wide variety of materials are available for the various partsdiscussed and illustrated herein. Although the device has been describedin conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident thatmany alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent tothose skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace allsuch alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within thespirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

1. A vehicle leveler for use with a driveway comprising: a first portionhaving a leading edge and a trailing edge wherein the trailing edge isdisposed further from the driveway than the leading edge and forms aramp section, a second portion having a leading edge and a trailing edgewherein the leading edge of the second portion is attached to thetrailing edge of the first portion and the leading edge of the secondportion is disposed further from the driveway than the trailing edge ofthe second portion, the second portion also including an extensionportion which extends from the trailing edge of the second portiontoward a rear of the leveler and includes a substantially flat sectiondisposed about parallel with the substantially flat driveway; opposingside portions which extend the length of and contact the first portion,second portion and extension portion, the opposing side portions havinga top surface which forms a walkway; and at least one tension barconnecting the first portion on a proximal end and a lift cylinder on adistal end, wherein the lift cylinder cannot accidentally shift when thevehicle leveler is in an elevated position.
 2. The vehicle leveler ofclaim 1 further including at least one tension strap under the firstportion, second portion or extension portion.
 3. The vehicle leveler ofclaim 1 wherein the at least one tension is two opposing tension bars.4. The vehicle leveler of claim 1 wherein two or more vehicle levelerscan be installed adjacent to each other and an extended walkway surfacecan be removably installed between each vehicle leveler.
 5. The vehicleleveler of claim 4 wherein the extended walkway surface and top surfaceform a large walkway surface for a vehicle driver to use.
 6. The vehicleleveler of claim 1 wherein each vehicle leveler has two, opposing sideportions each with a top surface, an opposing side portion and topsurface together each form a separate walkway.
 7. The vehicle leveler ofclaim 1 wherein the walkway can extend the complete length of both thesecond portion and extension portion, or alternatively, the walkway canextend only a portion of the length of the second portion and extensionportion.
 8. The vehicle leveler of claim 1 wherein the first portion andsecond portion are each unitary structures which are separate from eachother.
 9. The vehicle leveler of claim 1 wherein the second portionincluding the extension portion can be moved between a lowered positionand a raised position to accommodate varying dock heights for loadingand unloading of cargo from vehicles.
 10. The vehicle leveler of claim 1wherein the walkway and extended walkway surface include metal gratingfor safe contact for a vehicle driver walking on the walkway or extendedwalkway surface.
 11. A vehicle leveler for use with a substantially flatdriveway, the leveler capable of movement between a lowered position anda raised position, the leveler in the lowered position comprising: afirst portion having a leading edge at a front of the leveler and aninclined section wherein the inclined section is inclined from thesubstantially flat driveway at between about 1 and 15 degrees fromparallel with the substantially flat driveway; a second portionextending from the incline section toward a rear of the levelerincluding a substantially flat section wherein the substantially flatsection is declined toward the substantially flat driveway at betweenabout 1 and 15 degrees from parallel with the substantially flatdriveway; an extension portion extending from the second portion towarda rear of the leveler and including a substantially flat sectiondisposed about parallel with the substantially flat driveway; opposingside portions which extend the length of and contact the first portion,second portion and extension portion, the opposing side portions havinga top surface which forms a walkway; and at least one tension barconnecting the first portion on a proximal end and a lift cylinder on adistal end, wherein the lift cylinder cannot accidentally shift when thevehicle leveler is in an elevated position.
 12. The vehicle leveler ofclaim 11 further including at least one tension strap under the firstportion, second portion or extension portion.